Headlining the group is top 2015 Virginia-Bred 2 Year Old Colt, Sticksstatelydude, a old First Dude colt bred by the Canyon Lake Thoroughbreds. Highly regarded throughout his two year old campaign, Sticksstatelydude will make his 2016 season debut at Churchill Downs Sunday against seven other sophomore colts & geldings in a $55,000 allowance optional claiming event. He is third early choice at 9-2 in the 9th race, with a post time set for 4:51 PM.

Sticksstatelydude is by First Dude out of Placerita by Gilded Time.

The Greg Burchell trainee bankrolled $82,860 from just three starts last year before a pre-Breeders’ Cup injury sent him to the sidelines. He is out of the Gilded Time mare, Placerita.